Races

Scott Embry’s Thursday Geraldton Preview

Posted on | Posted by Scott Embry

RACE 1

HILLSIDE MONARCH ran fifth on debut at Northam beaten 1.3L by Petite Vitesse, Noble Reign and Superfluous and now resumes in a Geraldton maiden off the back of a handy trial behind Bombay Style and Collective. Austin Galati booked to ride from an inside draw in a field without much exposed form, this looks the kind of mare who could be crunched. ROLLEMUP showed plenty of speed at the end of last Geraldton season and expect that Chanel Cooper will use that to her advantage to offset the awkward alley. MAGNIFICENT MIA ran well at Moora but was unable to match it with Makwell Smart. DIXIE PRINCESS is a 25 start maiden – says it all.

Numbers: 8 – 1 – 3 – 2

Suggested Bet – HILLSIDE MONARCH WIN

RACE 2

ONE SHOT WONDER went down the 1000m straight on debut and clearly wasn’t ready for racing, however, worth remembering that he did go around a $7.50 chance in a race that contained Pure Excess (as well as Flying Frankie and Artie’s Eclipse who both contested the Max Simmonds Classic on Opening Day). CJP heads to Geraldton for two and expect money to come for both. ABSTRACTED makes the trip up the Brand Highway for Jayson Hines and the recent efforts in far deeper midweek and provincial maidens have been solid. Stuck on for a long way last start. MENSESH makes her debut against the older horses with only 54kg on her back. Always wary of Ash Maley taking them to Gero. SPIRIT OF ALASKA is the full sister to Alaskan God and Alaskan, she’ll be a handy broodmare in years to come.

Numbers: 9 – 5 – 11 – 10

Suggested Bet – ONE SHOT WONDER WIN

RACE 3 

WESTBOUND is a regally bred Peters Investments 3 year old who could well be on a Fairetha Stakes – WA Guineas type program kicking off his career in an all age Geraldton maiden. This looks the horse that Michael Grantham and CJP have come for and he extended nicely late in his 950m trial. 1410m a great kick off point for him and he looks to have too much firepower for his opposition. CANTILEVER ran into a nice one last start in Belvedere Rock. Had to make a sustained run and no shame in being dropped off late. Logical danger. MY UNIVERSE was taken to Toodyay last start and ran an honest second. This may be deeper though. BLACK CILLA next best.

Numbers: 12 – 1 – 2 – 10

Suggested Bet – WESTBOUND WIN

RACE 4

DIABLO LAD looks really well placed by Meryl Hayley who had a great meeting at Geraldton on Ladies Day with her placement of Master Alex and Divine Inanna. Placed in a 60+ Graduation to Split The Gee and Magali Magic two back and last start in another 60+ 1400 was only 3L off Asphalt, Kelora and Hymns Of Eladdair. Back to 1100m, back to a c58+ and can lead. Hard to beat. LUCKEE FLORAN went to the paddock in a rich vein of form and has returned in just as good order. Amazing the difference a set of blinkers have had on this horse. HE’SGOTWINGS hasn’t fired for a while but at his best he’s capable of running a cheeky race fresh. SAFE HUSTLE can sit close handy and enjoy a soft run.

Numbers: 3 – 1 – 5 – 6

Suggested Bet – DIABLO LAD WIN

RACE 5

YALLINGUP GIRL heads to the stables of Albert Bowtell who boasts one of the best strike rates in the State over the last two years: Last 750 days – 17 winners from 70 starters at 24.3%, elite. This mare hasn’t raced in a C1 since February 2024 and has run minors in 60+ and 58+ grade in the metro area. 1100m the only query and whether it’s a bit short and sharp for her. FUZZY BOX was held up the entire length of the home straight last start and looked to have plenty to offer. Now a set of shades go on. WEAPONIZE can be sent on a jump and run mission. The last 200m is always his issue. BONNY ROCK was actually well backed at odds at her first outing for Mack Hall. She’s got ability but must have a few issues?

Numbers: 4 – 10 – 7 – 8

Suggested Bet – YALLINGUP GIRL WIN

RACE 6

BELVEDERE ROCK had that race wrapped up from the 1200m marker last start. As soon as he jumped and put himself into a position it was all over. He’s got stacks of natural talent, he just needs to continue to improve his racing manners and if he does so he’s capable of going maiden to C2 to 58+ in the one preparation. Like the horse, a lot. THE ROOSTER didn’t handle Toodyay, didn’t handle Moora. Going back three starts ago was at Belmont and was beaten 3.5L in a C3. Don’t forget him. BATTLE ON BATTLER has come of age this season and is racing really consistently both on the dirt and the grass for Sean Rains. MOONIEMIA was a big improver first-up to second-up.

Numbers: 5 – 6 – 3 – 10

Suggested Bet – BELVEDERE ROCK WIN

RACE 7

HEWILLDOUS let rip with a really impressive turn of foot to gobble them up in a C1 first-up at Geraldton. He actually caught the eye leading into his return with a soft trial behind Supido Express, Cheryl’s Shout and Deltason who have all gone well early in their campaigns too. Barrier 1 means he can settle up closer and if he reproduces that turn of foot at 1400m he’ll be hard to hold out. Laqdar rides him over Master Alex and we’ll trust his judgement on that. MASTER ALEX put the writing on the wall first-up and then was a tradesman style win second-up. He’ll have to sustain a run from a tough draw here. NEVER SOBER hasn’t had much luck so far this campaign and the booking of Tash Faithfull takes the attention. LADY NEGRONI has won back to back races in easier company but is in career best.

Numbers: 3 – 2 – 10 – 9

Suggested Bet – HEWILLDOUS WIN

RACE 8

THEHORSEMAN has returned a different animal for Allan Hughes and the way he’s going it’ll be back to Perth soon for him. First-up he won under 62kg at 1113m (as a horse who had won four races all at 1400) and the second-up he went to 70+ grade for the first time and toyed with them, winning by nearly 2L after behing annihilated in betting and stopped the clock 3.5L faster than average. Out to his pet distance – should be winning again. ON THE MARK is a real talent but from barrier 10/10 with 62kg, first-up at 1400m and without a trial he’s been set a task by Barry Newnham. DIVINE INANNA gets in on the minimum dropping 4.5kg and loves the GTC. BIGDAYONIT looks just about ready.

Numbers: 3 – 1 – 10 – 7

Suggested Bet – THEHORSEMAN WIN

Quaddie (Race 5 – 8)

4,7,8,10

5

2,3,8,9,10

3

Market Market




Recent Articles